QTLs and analysis of the candidate gene for amylose, protein, and moisture content in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

In this study, we determined using NIRS the heritability percentage of amylose, protein, and moisture content in polished and unpolished rice in a CNDH population derived from a cross between Cheongcheong and Nagdong rice varieties. The results revealed a higher heritability percentage for the amylose content and compromised heritability for protein and moisture contents. We also conducted QTL analysis of rice for these major components and identified their chromosomal locations on a physical map. We found a total of four QTLs affecting the amylose, protein, and moisture contents of grain on chromosome 7. We constructed physical maps of seven DNA markers responsible for amylose content, six responsible for protein content, and three responsible for moisture content. Furthermore, we classified these genes according to their functions and found 17 genes (over 77%) to be involved in secondary metabolite synthesis, two genes (about 9%), each related to cell function and abiotic stress, and one gene (about 5%) involved in redox signaling.